Laser Theory and Applications

(3-0-0-3)

CMPE Degree: This course is Elective for the CMPE degree.

EE Degree: This course is Elective for the EE degree.

Lab Hours: 0 supervised lab hours and 0 unsupervised lab hours.

Technical Interest Group(s) / Course Type(s): Courses for non-ECE majors, Cross-listed courses, Optics and Photonics

Course Coordinator: Ali Adibi

Prerequisites: PHYS 2212

Corequisites: None.

Catalog Description

Provides an introduction to the theory and applications of laser
principles and related instrumentation. Emphasis is on the fundamental
principles underlying laser action. Crosslisted with PHYS 4751.

Textbook(s)

Introduction to Lasers and Their Applications

Course Outcomes

  1. Analyze the propagation of an optical beam with an arbitrary polarization inside a free-space optical system with polarization-sensitive components.
  2. Analyze three-level and four-leve laser systems through detailed calculation of the gain, population inversion, and cavity modes.
  3. Analyze and design stable mirror-based cavities for achieving single-mode or multi-mode operation; analyze the longitudinal and transverse modes and their Gaussian beam profiles in a mirror-based cavity.
  4. Analyze different classes of lasers (gas, liquid, solid-state, excimer, and seminconductor laser); also design a stable laser with a given set of specifications using simple building blocks (a variety of gain media, a series of mirrors, filters, switches, and modulators).
  5. Design (conceptually using fundamental building blocks) active and passive Q-switched and mode-locked pulsed lasers and analyze their pulse properties .
  6. Analyze, explain, and compare in detail the data sheets of different commercial laser systems.
  7. Design simple experiments to measure the fundamental properties of a laser (especially its divergence angle, coherence length, and beam profile).
  8. Analyze different classes of optical detectors (photomultiplier tubes and semiconductor detectors).
  9. Analyze an optical communication system formed through building blocks (laser source, modulator, fiber, detector) in terms of the signal to noise rato and the bit error rate for simple modulation schemes.
  10. Analyze and design Fabry-Perot-based filters and spectrometrs.

Student Outcomes

In the parentheses for each Student Outcome:
"P" for primary indicates the outcome is a major focus of the entire course.
“M” for moderate indicates the outcome is the focus of at least one component of the course, but not majority of course material.
“LN” for “little to none” indicates that the course does not contribute significantly to this outcome.

1. ( P ) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics

2. ( LN ) An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors

3. ( LN ) An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences

4. ( LN ) An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts

5. ( LN ) An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives

6. ( P ) An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions

7. ( LN ) An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Strategic Performance Indicators (SPIs)

Not Applicable

Course Objectives

Topical Outline

Introduction

Properties of Laser light
Wave motion
Laws of Reflection and Refraction
Monochromaticity
Directionality and Brightness
Interference and Coherence
Polarization

Gaussian Beams

Introduction to Lasers
Stimulated Emission
Einstein Coefficients
Lineshape
Threshold and Steady State Conditions
Two, Three, and Four Level Laser Systems

Laser Dynamics
Q-switching and Mode-locking
Saturable Absorbers and Amplifiers

Laser Examples
Gas Lasers
Excimer Lasers
Doped Insulator Lasers
Dye Lasers
Semiconductor Lasers

Detection and Characterization of Optical Radiation
Thermal Detectors
Quantum Detectors
Measurement Techniques

Optical Communication
Fiber Optics
Systems

Power Applications
Beam Focussing
Material Processing
Scanning Systems

Holography